Did you know that about seven out of 10 Americans over the age of 65 are expected to need long-term care within the next fifteen years? Some retirees might be able to find room in their childrens’ homes, if their needs are not too great. Others will be better off in adult retirement communities, cared for and with many activity options to choose from every day.

According to a recent poll by Harris Interactive, about 66% of Americans are unsure about how they’ll meet nursing home care costs. Only 19% realized that the major funder of long-term care is Medicaid — the government agency tasked with covering health services for the poor.

If you are interested in continued care options, you probably have a lot of questions. Here is your quick guide to retirement living.

There are Many Options Available

• There are a wide range of communities available to elderly people looking for a senior living community. Many independent living facilities allow for fairly separate living, allowing residents to live in small apartments and cook their own meals. Other facilities, usually referred to as nursing homes, are geared toward assisting those who need more constant, supervised care.
• Most retirement communities will offer a fairly wide range of activities. It’s not just Bingo anymore — libraries, fitness centers, massage therapy, and pools are common to many locations.

What You Should Look for in Continuing Care Retirement Communities

• Make sure that any location is a good fit for the individual. Keep in mind that, when it comes to individuals in their 60s and 70s, their care needs can change drastically in a relatively short period of time. It can be a good idea to err on the side of a place that has options for increased care in the future.
• Find a retirement facility that comes in high regard from current and past guests, either by word of mouth or through online reviews. Did you know that 30% of U.S. retirement homes have been cited for elder abuse? Look to see whether your particular facility has any past citations.
• If the retiree has grandchildren or other young children they want to encourage to visit, are there fun and safe areas they can enjoy their time in? See what the options are for popular amenities.

What would you add to a guide to retirement living? Let us know in the comments. See this reference for more: www.windsormeade.org